REACTION: Driven Forde praises the collective effort in epic semi-final win over Kilkenny
Tipperary defeated Kilkenny on Sunday
Fresh off a dramatic victory over Kilkenny, Tipperary’s Jason Forde admitted he was physically and emotionally drained after helping his side secure a place in the All-Ireland final.
Speaking after being awarded Player of the Match, Forde said, “It’s hard to process it there, I suppose I’m just absolutely wrecked after that 70 minutes, but look, we're absolutely delighted to get over the line.”
Forde praised the collective effort, particularly in the dying moments of a tight contest.
“I think a lot of lads stood up there in the last 10 minutes when we needed them, and just thankful to get over the line.”
Kilkenny burst out of the blocks with early intensity, leaving Tipperary trailing in the opening stages. Forde acknowledged that the Premier County took time to settle.
“Yeah 100%, they started out with the traps really fast and we kind of struggled to get into our flow,” he said. “But you know, we said all year we just stick to the process. We know we have the players and what they're capable of.”
Key moments helped swing the momentum, with Forde pointing to the contributions of Jake Morris, John McGrath, and Darragh Stakelum.
“Jake stormed in there with a couple of points, John got the goal in, and I think that just kind of settled us. Darragh was winning ball out in front and we were creating a lot of chances.”
Forde also found himself stepping up to take frees during the match, a role typically handled by teammate Darragh Stakelum.
“You wouldn't be expecting it coming into a game that you would be hitting the frees - Darragh’s been hitting them so well all year. Look, he was just unlucky with one or two of them, but for us to do a job for this team, you just have to stand up and do it.”
Looking ahead, Tipperary now face Cork in what promises to be a mouth-watering All-Ireland final. Forde knows the challenge that lies ahead.
“Our big aim was to get back here to Croke Park and perform, and we've done that today,” he said.
“We’ll have a serious two weeks now back to the training ground and just get ready to give it one hell of a lash in the final.”